Coverage of the Frisco RoughRiders from Dr Pepper Ballpark

Results tagged ‘ Jake Smolinski ’

Opening Day for the Frisco RoughRiders is this Thursday, but former Riders players will have a presence in nearly every Opening Day contest at the start of the 2015 Major League Baseball season. There are 33 former RoughRiders on the Opening Day active rosters of 16 different MLB teams this season, highlighted by the big league debuts of 2014 Frisco players Keone Kela and Odubel Herrera.

The Texas Rangers have an MLB-high 12 former RoughRiders on their roster, with Kela making his first appearance on a major league roster. He is expected to be a member of the Texas bullpen for tonight’s season opener in Oakland. The 21-year-old right-handed pitcher was promoted to Frisco on May 3, 2014 and spent the remainder of the season as a RoughRider. Kela posted a 2-1 record with five saves and a 1.86 ERA in 36 Texas League appearances in 2014, registering a 55:27 strikeout-to-walk ratio and a .162 opponents’ batting average in 38.2 innings. He did not allow an earned run in 30 of his last 32 regular season outings and twice compiled streaks of 14 consecutive scoreless appearances. Kela was the Rangers’ 12th round selection in the 2012 First-Year Player Draft out of Everett (Wash.) Community College.

Herrera is expected to be the Philadelphia Phillies’ everyday centerfielder when the Phillies open the season this afternoon at home against Boston. A Rule 5 Draft selection by Philadelphia in the off-season, Herrera spent the bulk of the past two seasons as a second baseman with the RoughRiders.

He won the Texas League batting crown last year with a .321 average, 13 points higher than second place. In 96 games with the Riders, Herrera compiled 16 doubles, four triples, two home runs and 48 runs batted in. The left-handed batter was named a Texas League Postseason and Mid-Season All-Star last year; he was also a Mid-Season TL All-Star in 2013. A native of Zulia, Venezuela, Herrera was signed by the Rangers as a non-drafted free agent in 2008.

Twelve of the of the 15 Opening Day games scheduled for last night and today feature a former RoughRider on the 25-man roster of at least one team. Since 2003, Frisco has sent 128 former players to the big leagues (not including Major League rehabbers).

The Frisco RoughRiders have been a force in the Texas League so far and their record-number All-Star selections reflects this dominance. The league announced that ten of the team’s players will be 2014 Texas League Mid-Season All-Stars. The game will be played at Dickey-Stephens Park in North Little Rock, Arkansas on Tuesday, June 24 at 7:15 p.m.

The selection committee voted four ‘Riders pitchers and six position players to the South Division side. Starting pitchers Alec Asher, Edwar Cabrera and Luke Jackson will travel to Arkansas as well as reliever Phil Klein. Infielders Rougned Odor, Guilder Rodriguez and Ryan Rua each earned spots on the squad in addition to outfielder Jake Smolinski and catcher Tomás Telis. Infielder Odubel Herrera will replace Odor, who is currently with the Texas Rangers. Rua will serve as the starting third baseman for the South Division and Smolinski will start the contest in the outfield.

The RoughRiders boast more All-Stars than any team in the Texas League. This is the most mid-season all-stars for the ‘Riders since 2011 when Frisco also earned nine selections, including current Texas Ranger Leonys Martin.

Balloting for the Texas League All-Star Game was conducted by votes gathered from managers, coaches, broadcasters and beat writers representing all eight teams.

FRISCO ROUGHRIDERS MID-SEASON ALL-STARS

Ryan Rua – 3B: The RoughRiders’ everyday third baseman is batting .318 (67-for-211) through 59 games with the club this season. Of his 67 hits, good for second in the Texas League, 12 have been doubles, and his ten home runs are tied for fifth in the league with teammate Jake Smolinski. The native of Amherst, Ohio also ranks third in on-base and slugging percentage with totals of .395 and .526, respectively, and has 32 RBI. This will be Rua’s first all-star appearance in the Texas League; however, the utility infielder was named to the Mid-Season and Postseason All-Star teams in the South Atlantic League in 2013 for his efforts with the Hickory Crawdads.

Jake Smolinski – OF: In his eighth season and first in the Rangers organization, the 25-year-old native of Rockford, Illinois has shown patience at the plate and the power to go deep as his .516 slugging percentage reveals. Reaching base in 53 of 61 games, Smolinski finds a way to get on and work his way home. The left fielder leads Frisco in doubles (13) and walks (28), and paces the Texas League in runs scored (39). He is also second in the Texas League with 26 extra-base hits. He has been a dependable defender as well, going a team-high 27 consecutive games without an error. Smolinski also garnered Mid-Season All-Star honors with the Double-A Jacksonville Suns in 2012.

Alec Asher – RHP: The 22-year-old native of Lakeland, Florida has earned his way onto the 2014 Texas League All-Star team with his league-leading 71 1/3 innings pitched. He accumulated those innings across 12 starts with a 6-4 record and 3.28 ERA. The 6-foot-4 righty has issued 58 hits in 262 at-bats, which is good for an opponent average of .221, the fifth-lowest mark among qualified starters in the Texas League. This will be Asher’s first Texas League All-Star Game; he was named to the Carolina League Mid-Season All-Star team in 2013.

Edwar Cabrera – RHP: The native of Baní, Dominican Republic is no stranger to All-Star appearances as he was a South Atlantic Mid-Season All-Star with Asheville in 2011. He also represented the Tulsa Drillers as a Mid-Season and Post-Season All-Star in 2012. In his first season with the Rangers organization, the southpaw is 2-3 with a 3.40 ERA in nine games as a starter and has struck out 44 in 47 2/3 innings of work. As a reliever, Cabrera has a 2.61 ERA with one save in 10.1 innings pitched.

Odubel Herrera – INF: Herrera, 22, is in the second season with the ‘Riders and made the All-Star Game last year as well. The native of Zulia, Venezuela is batting .282 (24-for-85) with a home run, three doubles, a triple and 14 RBI in 22 games. He began the season with Advanced-A Myrtle Beach and was called up May 12. In his second game with the team, the 5-foot-11, 200-pounder matched a season-high with four hits against the Midland RockHounds. Since that time, Herrera has become a reliable infielder for the RoughRiders. He has not been charged with an error since returning to the Texas League.

Luke Jackson – RHP: As the 2013 Nolan Ryan Minor League Pitcher of the Year, Jackson is making his first All-Star appearance in Double-A. He made the All-Star team last year with the Advanced-A Myrtle Beach Pelicans. The Floridian is fourth in the Texas League in ERA (2.55), first in wins (7), second in strikeouts (85), sixth in innings pitched (67) and third in WHIP (0.96). Jackson ranks fourth among starters in allowing just 9.29 baserunners per nine innings. During one of his best outings of the year on April 21, the 6-foot-2 righty took a perfect game into the sixth inning against the San Antonio Missions and allowed just three hits to go along with eight strikeouts and no walks in seven innings pitched.

Phil Klein – RHP: The 6-foot-7, 250-pound right-hander has been in the Rangers organization since 2011 and worked his way up to the ‘Riders in 2013. Being called up to Frisco for part of the 2013 season, Klein has improved in almost every statistical category compared to last year. Among Texas League pitchers, the reliever has the second-lowest batting average among relievers (.152) and strikes out 11.75 batters per nine innings, the third-lowest ratio in the league. He has become the RoughRiders’ closer and is a perfect 7-for-7 in save chances. The former Youngstown State Penguin has worked eight straight scoreless appearances and has not conceded more than one run in any single game this season. After walking ten in his first eight outings, Klein has only walked three in his last 12 appearances.

Rougned Odor– INF: The Rangers’ 2013 Tom Grieve Minor League Player of the Year earns his second straight All-Star selection after starting the 2013 Carolina League All-Star Game at second base. In 32 games with the RoughRiders in 2014, Odor batted .279 and slugged .450 with 36 hits (two doubles, one triple, six home runs) and 17 RBI. His work led to a promotion to the Texas Rangers on May 8. He has played in 24 big league games with Texas and is batting .290 with seven runs, 20 hits and two home runs in 69 at-bats.

Guilder Rodriguez – INF: The fourteen-year professional played his first 12 seasons without an All-Star selection, but is now set to appear in his second consecutive Texas League All-Star Game. The switch-hitter has played the most minor league games (1,040) among all current players who have no big league experience. With multiple hits in five of the last eight games, Rodriguez ranks first in the Texas League in batting average .380 (27 for 71) and second in on-base percentage (.457) since his return from Triple-A Round Rock on May 15. The utility infielder has settled into the shortstop position this year but is still diverse enough to play where his team needs him. Since joining Frisco in 2009, Rodriguez has played every position except catcher.

Tomás Telis – C: The switch-hitting catcher returns to the Texas League All-Star roster for the second consecutive year after making his first appearance in 2013. Telis was also selected for two previous All-Star teams in the 2008 DSL All-Star Game, in which he was named MVP, and in the 2011 South Atlantic League All-Star Game. Telis is batting a league-leading .327 (56-for-171) in 45 games this season. He has scored 18 runs with 11 doubles, two triples, two homers and 26 RBI, and has posted an .807 OPS.

Miss the last RoughRiders game? Catch up on the action or relive the highlights with ‘Riders Rewind, a daily capsule of yesterday’s big moments. Listen to previous editions of ‘Riders Rewind here.

Magic Number: 6

On the 70th anniversary of D-Day, the RoughRiders knocked their Magic Number down two pegs with an 8-0 shutout of the San Antonio Missions. Frisco also took the series three games to one. Click here to read the full game recap.

Second-place Midland (32-28) helped the RoughRiders’ cause with a loss to Corpus Christi (30-30), so the total dropped from eight to six in one night. With RockHounds in town Saturday for a four-game series at the Doc, the ‘Riders (36-23) can lower that number in chunks.

To calculate the Magic Number, determine the number of games yet to be played (10), add one (10+1=11), and subtract the number of games ahead in the loss column of the standings from the closest opponent (11-5=6).

The ‘Riders blanked the Missions for the second time in the series and fourth time this season. The home team has been dominant when these two sides convene in 2014; both are 6-2 at their home ballpark against each other.

Frisco is now 21-11 at Dr Pepper Ballpark this season, the best mark in the Texas League. The ‘Riders have not lost a series at home since April 7 when the Arkansas Travelers swept a doubleheader in the second series of the season. For the third straight series, the opponent took the opener only to see Frisco ride to victory in the remaining installments.

In case you missed it:

-Every batter in the RoughRiders’ order tallied a base hit on Friday.

-Trever Adams knocked three hits in the game. Adams has not missed a beat after his week-long stint on the DL with a strained right hamstring. After batting .350 in the month of May, the righty is 5-for-8 with two runs, a double and two RBI in his first two games in June.

-Guilder Rodriguez also had a three hit game. G-Rod is batting .323 on the season and a whopping .381 since his return from Triple-A RoundRock on May 14. He leads the team in on-base percentage at a .412 clip.

-One night after Ryan Rua took the team lead in home runs with his tenth of the season, Jake Smolinksi tied the race once again on Saturday with a solo shot in the third. Nine of Smolinski’s ten jacks have been solo shots this season. The two sluggers have been neck-and-neck for much of the season in numerous statistical categories. With 34 RBI on the season, Smolinski holds a slight in RBI over his teammate (32).

-Speaking of Rua, the third baseman extended his on-base streak to 14 on Friday and went 1-for-3 with a walk and a run scored.

-San Antonio manager Rich Dauer once again shook up his lineup in the middle of the game. His starting lineup varied in only game three when catcher Robert Kral replaced Austin Hedges. On Friday, however, Dauer removed Jason Hagerty from first base for Lee Orr while Bridger Hunt subbed in for Adam Buschini at third base. Buschini, in turn, shifted to shortstop and replaced Brian Bixler.

-Missions reliever Leonel Campos loves to pitch against the RoughRiders. The righty has yet to allow an earned run to the ‘Riders over the course of 11 career appearances. He pitched two innings on Friday and gave up two hits with three strikeouts.

Big Cat put the Missions in a coma with his most dominant outing on the mound this season. The big right-hander took a perfect game into the fifth inning, when an Austin Hedges line drive deflected of Rodriguez’s glove at shortstop and into center field for a base hit. Alec filled up the strike zone and worked an efficient seven innings–of his 84 pitches, 62 were for strikes. Equally impressive was the Floridian’s ability to keep the ball in the park, and in most cases, the infield. He did not allow a home run and only one extra-base hit on a triple by speedster Reymond Fuentes. Alec leads the team with 71 1/3 innings pitched through 12 starts this season. The win on Friday lowered his ERA to 3.28 and gives him a 6-4 record on the season.

Miss the last RoughRiders game? Catch up on the action or relive the highlights with ‘Riders Rewind, a daily capsule of yesterday’s big moments. Listen to previous editions of ‘Riders Rewind here.

Magic Number: 8

The ‘Riders grabbed a 2-1 lead in their series against San Antonio with a 5-4 nailbiter on Thursday. Click here to read the full game recap.

For the second straight night, Frisco (35-23) cut down their Magic Number required to clinch a playoff berth. Midland (32-27) continues to roll in its series against Corpus Christi, but as long as the RoughRiders win, the Magic Number wanes regardless of the RockHounds’ results.

To calculate the Magic Number, determine the number of games yet to be played (11), add one (11+1=12), and subtract the number of games ahead in the loss column of the standings from the closest opponent (12-4=8).

Contrary to our prediction last night, the game was scoreless after the first free frames. Ryan bores loaded the bases with one out in the first inning, but steadied himself and tallied consecutive outs to strand a trio of runners.

The play of the game occurred in the fifth inning. The ‘Riders took their turn loading the bases against John Hussey when Jake Smolinski stepped up with no outs in a 2-1 ballgame.

On a fly ball to shallow left field, San Antonio outfielder Rymer Liriano called off shortstop Brian Bixler and charged in from left to make the play. Liriano dropped the ball, which allowed Jake Skole to score from third. Furthermore, Liriano attempted a throw to third base for a force out, but airmailed the delivery. Drew Robinson scored the second run of the exchange and the ‘Riders jumped up 4-1.

After much deliberation, Smolinski was awarded an RBI fielder’s choice because even though Liriano dropped the fly ball, an on-target throw to third would have resulted in an out. Liriano, therefore, was charged with only one error (throwing). Only Robinson scored an unearned run on the play.

In case you missed it:

-Rymer Liriano continues to eat ‘Riders pitching alive. The Padres outfield prospect went 3-for-4 on Thursday with a double, a home run and three RBI. The native of the Dominican Republic is hitting .302 against the horsemen this season with 16 hits, 10 runs and 15 RBI. Liriano is not long for the world of Double-A baseball.

-Ryan Rua extended his on-base streak to 13 with a two-run home run in the fourth inning. The blast to left-center was Ryan’s tenth of the season and broke a tie with Smolinski for the team lead. It also tied the two players atop the team leader board with 32 RBI. Smo broke the tie an inning later on the aforementioned fielder’s choice.

-Tomás Telis’ hit streak ended at 13 with an 0-for-4 night on Thursday.

Trever returned from DL and played for the first time since Memorial Day. His hamstring looked fine as he legged out a bunt single in the fifth. His two-out RBI single in the sixth inning drove in the winning run and broke a 4-4 deadlock. The 6-foot, 210-pound righty hit the ball at a .350 clip in May and raised his season average to .281 with 47 hits and 26 RBI, third-highest on the team.

Miss the last RoughRiders game? Catch up on the action or relive the highlights with ‘Riders Rewind, a daily capsule of yesterday’s big moments. Listen to previous editions of ‘Riders Rewind here.

Thanks to three solo home runs, the RoughRiders took a 3-1 lead over the Springfield Cardinals and–after a two-hour, 26-minute rain delay–held on to win 3-2 and even the series. Click here to read the full game recap.

Teodoro Martinez, Jake Smolinski and Ryan Rua each homered to provide all the offense necessary for the win. Rua’s team-leading eighth home run (tied for fourth-most in the Texas League) gave the ‘Riders 41 jacks for the season, which ranks third-highest in the league.

The RoughRiders should be commended for their ability to remain focused after a rain delay that lasted almost as long as the game itself. It’s no easy task to redial an in-game mentality after an extended and unexpected intermission.

Springfield’s manager Mike Schildt pushed hard to resume the game after the rain subsided. It would have been unsurprising, but also extremely disappointing, if the Cardinals charged back to either tie or take the lead after play resumed in the bottom of the sixth. But after the Birds crept within one run, the ‘Riders clamped down and showed true grit en route to their 29th win of the season.

Klein became the team leader in saves with his fifth of the season. After the Cardinals tallied a run in the seventh to make it a 3-2 ballgame, Klein entered and shut down the Double-A redbirds over the final two frames. The righty did not allow a run, a hit or a walk and ended both of his innings with a strikeout. He has not blown a save this season.

Miss the last RoughRiders game? Catch up on the action or relive the highlights with ‘Riders Rewind, a daily capsule of yesterday’s big moments. Listen to previous editions of ‘Riders Rewind here.

The RoughRiders left nine runners stranded in scoring position and batted 1-for-13 with men on second and/or third base. Rymer Liriano’s grand slam makes the final score look like a laugher, but the ‘Riders trailed 3-1 in the bottom of the seventh. Click here to read the full game recap.

With a third inning double on Saturday, Smolinski registered multiple hits in five of his last six games. He continues to ascend the Texas League leaderboard in batting average, and as of May 17, sits in fourth place with a .315 mark. Smo also ranks third in the league in both on-base percentage and slugging percentage (.412 and .534, respectively). His three triples on the season place him in a tie for first in the Texas League, while 78 total bases for the 25-year-old rank fourth.

Along with Corpus Christi’s Preston Tucker, Jake is the one of two players in the Texas League to play in each of the first 42 games of the season. His durability is impressive especially given the handful of circus grabs the right-hander has made in left field, including one on a deep fly ball from San Antonio’s Austin Hedges on Saturday.

Miss the last RoughRiders game? Catch up on the action or relive the highlights with ‘Riders Rewind, a daily capsule of yesterday’s big moments. Listen to previous editions of ‘Riders Rewind here.

The ‘Riders suffered a bitter defeat at the hand of Midland on Wednesday night. The RockHounds rallied from a 6-4 deficit in the ninth inning and walked it off with an RBI single from Billy Burns. Click here to read the full game recap.

The bullpen was due for a letdown, and after a few close calls, the ‘Riders lost a game in which they led after the eighth inning for the first time since 2012 (a 93-game span). It was bound to happen at some point, but the collapse brings to light the unfilled closer position on the team at this point in the season.

Matt West may have been the candidate of choice, but he left for Round Rock on May 3. The Rangers named West its minor league reliever of the month, and so did we.

Star of the Game: LF Jake Smolinski – “Smo” continues to swing a hot bat and play lock-down defense in the outfield. He finished 2-for-5 at the plate on Wednesday with a home run and two runs scored. His shot to left in the sixth off Chris Jensen sparked a three-run frame for the ‘Riders. All six of Smolinski’s homers this season have been solo shots. The 2007 draft choice by the Washington Nationals is currently tied for fifth in the Texas League with a .299 batting average and his .401 on-base percentage ranks third in the league.

It was hard to ignore Odubel Herrera who tallied four base hits in five at-bats. However, his two RBI both crossed on a deflected single that did not leave the infield and he got greedy on a double to right. The RockHounds threw out Herrera as he tried to take a third bag on the play and the ‘Riders lost an opportunity to put another run on the board in the ninth inning. In hindsight, it was a run that could have served their cause quite well.

Saturday’s 5-1 loss to Corpus Christi marked the quarter point in the 2014 campaign. The ‘Riders ran through the first 35 games on the schedule with a 22-13 record, good for the best mark in the Texas League.

Extrapolate that start to the full season, and the RoughRiders are on pace to finish 88-52. It’s an ambitious clip to maintain, but an 88-win season would be the most in club history. The current benchmark is 85 wins, set in 2007.

Frisco took care of business in all fronts and venues. They posted positive records at Dr Pepper Ballpark (13-8) and on the road (9-5). The ‘Riders also went 14-9 within the south division and won 8-of-12 against teams from the Texas League North.

The roster was not placid, either. Thirty-three personnel moves have occurred since the Opening Day Roster dropped on March 28. Three players debuted at the major league level and another four moved on to the Triple-A ranks. The RoughRiders also received three players from Advanced-A and four from extended spring training.

This ability to maintain consistency in the face of roster upheaval is a testament to the cohesiveness of the core players and Jason Wood‘s skills as a manager of men. Even when Woody took his customary vacation (the Rangers organization allows the coaching staff a four-day break during the season), the team continued to gel. The Rangers Minor League Field Coordinator, who served as acting field manager in Wood’s absence, left a note for the skipper in which he praised the professional demeanor and positive attitude in the clubhouse.

Early returns are also strong on the squad’s performance sans its two top prospects, Rougned Odor and Luis Sardinas. The RoughRiders won five of their first six games without the tandem of Venezuelan middle infielders.

In short, a plethora of candidates can make a realistic argument for unofficial team awards as the season stands on first base. Here are the top four individual performers one-fourth of the way through the ‘Riders 2014 run. For a list of the top ten moments of the 2014 season to date, click here.

Questions lingered around Ryan at the start of the season. The 24-year-old tore up the South Atlantic League in 2013 with the Hickory Crawdads (29 home runs, 24 doubles, 82 RBI, .914 OPS in 104 games). The All-Star campaign earned him a spot in Frisco for the final month of the season, but the righty batted .233 in 23 games with the ‘Riders and his OPS fell to an earthly .689. Was the barnstorming tour in Hickory an aberration?

After an 0-for-8 start to the season, the muscular infielder answered the above question with a resounding “no.” From April 5 to May 4, Ryan reached base safely in 27 consecutive games. He posted 12 multi-hit games during the streak, the second-longest of its kind in Minor League Baseball this season.

The 17th round draft choice in 2011 clubbed a .354/.441/.654 line in the month of April and his OPS soared to 1.095. The native of Ohio played 24 games in April, one more than he played for the ‘Riders a season ago. Over the same approximate span in 2014, Ryan cracked 29 hits (including six home runs and six doubles). He scored 12 runs and drove in 15 more. Equally impressive was the right-handed hitter’s ratio of strikeouts (11) to walks (13). Not bad for a player with some pop in the bat.

Ryan consistently draws the attention of his teammates, spectators and even the opposition with his display of power in batting practice. As the first quarter of the season proved, however, the 6-foot-2 180 pound slugger is far more than a B.P. warrior.

The term “staff ace” does not apply at the minor league level, but Luke has been the lead arm on a young unit with plenty of potential. He took home Texas League Pitcher of the Week honors for April 14-20 and became the first ‘Rider to earn a league award this season. It was the first Texas League distinction for Luke in his career. The Carolina League also recognized “LuJax” as its pitcher of the week in 2013.

The Texas League selected the 6-foot-2 185 pound righty on the heels of a six inning shut out performance against the Arkansas Travelers on April 15. Luke surrendered three hits, two walks and tossed eight strikeouts for his first win of the season.

The 2010 supplemental first round draft choice tossed a career outing on April 21. Luke retired the first 17 men he faced and held a perfect game with two outs in the sixth inning. San Antonio’s Jake Lemmerman broke up the bid, but Luke still finished with no runs on three hits, no walks and eight strikeouts.

Luke owns a 4-1 record on the season with a 3.00 ERA through 42 innings pitched. He also earned his first career save when he relieved big league rehabber Joe Saunders on May 6.

Jake is in his first year with the Rangers organization, and on a roster in flux, “Smo” has provided stability and consistency both at the plate and in the field. Once he figured out his swing about three weeks into the season, Jake’s batting average has climbed to .299 with a .401 on-base percentage (his career trademark is a high OBP).

The 5-foot-11 185 pound right-hander has been the club’s left fielder for 30 of the team’s first 39 games, and he also made two spot starts in right. Along with seven games as designated hitter, the 2nd round draft choice in 2007 is one of two players in the Texas League to play in every game through May 14. Jake has logged more innings in the pasture than anyone on the RoughRiders’ roster. Through 267 2/3 innings, the native of Rockford, Ill. has committed one error and leads the team in outfield assists (2). In addition, Jake has turned the only outfield double play for the ‘Riders thus far in 2014.

The 25-year-old has flashed his athleticism on several plays in left, most notably on April 27 in a game against Corpus Christi. The Hooks loaded the bases with no outs and brought one run home to tie the game at 3-3 in the bottom of the seventh inning. With runners still on first and second with two outs, Jake made a great play on a deep fly ball from M.P. Cokinos that would have surely broken the dead heat had it escaped the glove of the left fielder. The ‘Riders went on to win the game 4-3.

Healthy for the first time since the 2011, Matt sheared the long blonde locks and pitched with authority out of the bullpen. He posted a 2-0 record with three saves and a 0.68 ERA. At 25 years of age, Matt allowed one run with the ‘Riders through eight appearances and 13 1/3 innings pitched. The lone run charged to the native of Houston crossed in his final appearance with the ‘Riders on April 29. The numbers earned the 6-foot-1 200 pound hurler a promotion to Triple-A Round Rock on May 3.

Through 3 2/3 innings with the Express this month, Matt has allowed six runs (five earned) on 12 hits with one walk and five strikeouts. However, no runs have crossed on Matt’s watch in his last two starts.

On May 15, the Rangers recognized the 2nd round draft choice in 2007 as its reliever of the month in April. Not bad for a former third baseman who converted to the mound three seasons ago.

The ‘Riders are off and running in 2014. Who will shine in the second quarter as the first half winds to a close? Stay tuned to find out!

Miss the last RoughRiders game? Catch up on the action or relive the highlights with ‘Riders Rewind, a daily capsule of yesterday’s big moments. Listen to previous editions of ‘Riders Rewind here.

Frisco dropped the first game in their series with Corpus Christi 5-1 on Saturday night. The RoughRiders wore their pink jerseys for the second straight night and finished 1-1 in the rosy outfits. Click here to read the full game recap.

The ‘Riders fell behind 2-0 in the first inning of Joe Saunders’ second rehab appearance. The game turned in the third when Jake Smolinski grounded out to short. Smolinski hit the ball sharply to the edge of the infield and appeared to beat out a long throw from Corpus Christi shortstop Jio Mier.

First base umpire Ryan Simmons did not see the call that way, however, and an enraged Smolinski was ejected from the game. He was joined by his field manager, Jason Wood, not long after. The ‘Riders would have potentially had runners on first and second with one out, but the call took the wind out of the proverbial sails as the ‘Riders left 13 men stranded on Saturday.

The team has already clinched a winning record on the eight-game homestand, which concludes on Mother’s Day afternoon against the Hooks. Coverage starts 1:40 p.m. on www.ridersbaseball.com.

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